Can I give my dog yogurt?

Yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind, let us explain ……

Yogurt is one of those fun foods that people love and hate. It can be sour, fruity, or dessert-like with lots of yummy things at the bottom. Yogurt has come a long way in terms of flavors, textures, and milk sources, giving people more choices and sometimes overwhelming them.

The main health benefit of all yogurts is the live, active bacterial cultures they possess. These tiny microorganisms help to promote the “good guy ” bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, also known as “probiotics “. The “good” bacteria act as a counterbalance in the intestinal tract, thus inhibiting the “bad” bacteria. Therefore, once these happy little flora settle in, they help improve digestion, nutrient absorption and bowel consistency.

Since yogurt is good for humans, it’s only natural that we’d want to pass on its health benefits to our furry friends. In fact,nonfat plain or vanilla flavored yogurtis very safe tofeed your puppy.

As always, moderation is key and yogurt intake should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily intake. ** For medium to large dogs, one tablespoon of nonfat yogurt once or twice a day is sufficient. For smaller puppies, one teaspoon once or twice a day is sufficient.

Stick to simple preparations with limited ingredients (i.e. not a lot of junk on the label!) , and make sure the yogurt you choose contains live, active bacterial cultures, especiallyLactobacillus bulgaricusandStreptococcus thermophilus.

Avoid fruit yogurts and any products with added xylitol (a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs). Never give your dog any yogurt that contains raisins or grapes. These substances are highly toxic and can cause acute kidney failure.

Keep in mind that some of our canine companions do not tolerate dairy products as well as people. Unpleasant reactions may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. If your furry companion experiences any of these symptoms, discontinue the use of yogurt and consult your veterinarian.

Interestingly, there is some controversy in the veterinary community about the bioavailability of the active live bacteria contained in yogurt. Some argue that only certain types of bacteria are effective in dogs, and that the bacteria in yogurt do not qualify.

It’s not so much a question of whether yogurt is “bad” for dogs, but whether it actually works. As a result, a variety of probiotics specifically for animals have come on the market in recent years. Among the most prestigious are Fortiflora and Proviable.

If you decide to give yogurt to your four-legged companion, be sure to consult your veterinarian before feeding yogurt to a patient with a history of food allergies, pancreatitis, or diabetes.

** So, can I give my dog yogurt?

Can! Be moderate and discriminating when choosing yogurt brands and flavors for your furry dog. Be sensitive to your dog’s needs — if yogurt doesn’t help digestion or produces unpleasant side effects, stop giving it to your dog. There’s no need to feed extra yogurt just because it’s good for you. However, share a spoonful of yogurt with your dog if it fulfills your desires.